Day 2 of March Madness brings you W Parks Brigham. She writes such sweet romances, with authentic characters, expressing genuine love and realistic flaws. In today's game of love, her characters are making a rebound from their broken hearts... Shelly Roberts and Joffrey Matheson have watched friends fall in love and take that giant step—marriage—promising to share their lives together. Now it’s their turn. They’ve been paired as the perfect couple, according to Allanville’s Matchmakers Committee. Yes, their friendship has developed and grown. Yes, they are compatible, enjoy each other’s company, and want the same things out of life. Most importantly, they’re both seeking a meaningful relationship. Family and friends are excited as they cheer them on. Everyone is anticipating and waiting for the big news. Humph, that’s a joke! Instead, they keep getting sickening, whining excuses; there are no sparks…no chemistry…we’re just friends…you know, a yummy peanut butter sandwich but with syrup instead of jelly. The million-dollar question, how can you develop a serious relationship when you’re still carrying a torch for someone from your past? Where they do that at? In the small town called Allanville? Let’s see how two young people in Allanville, Texas tried to make a go of being in a relationship that just wasn’t working out in spite of what the matchmakers thought. Why, because their hearts belonged to someone else. EXCERPT: “Betsy, are you sure about this couple?” asked Minerva. Her sister, Connie, nodded in agreement. The Guillory sisters pretty much thought alike and stood together during the group’s matchmaking endeavors. “I know Shelly is your niece and you two know her well. But Margaret Ann asked for our help. Her boy has been pining over Deidra Hollands for far too long. His family feels that if they don’t step in and help him bury the past, they may lose their youngest son like they did their eldest. Remember, he was supposed to have made a career out of the army, but got out after five years behind a broken heart. And we all know the rest of the story. So yes, they are concerned and seeking our help. Margaret Ann sees the same pattern, but this time she’s going to intervene, with our assistance.” The committee members listened as Betsy expressed the views of the Mathesons with reservation. “Betsy, our heart goes out to the Mathesons but Joffrey and Shelly,” Minnie said in disbelief. “Really? They’re like oil and vinegar. She’s spirited and flashy whereas he’s conservative and nerdy. And what about the age difference? You know she’s a few years older.” ♥ “Good morning, Ms. Roberts. I love your outfit,” complimented Misty, Joffrey’s secretary. “But you always look pretty. You can go right in.” “Thanks, Misty.” Shelly knew that meant for a big girl, but she didn’t mean any harm. Girlfriend was calling it as she saw it. That was one thing Shelly prided herself on, looking good whenever she stepped out. Shelly believed in representing the plus-size sisters. Today, she wore a coral pencil skirt topped with a coral smudge dot blouse which had an elastic scoop neck and raglan sleeves, comfortable crisscross open-toe pumps in taupe, and gold jewelry which toned the bright color down a notch for work. She only stopped by to bring Joffrey and his secretary a treat. “This is for you,” she said and gave Misty her package. Excitedly she asked, “Is this what I think it is?” Shelly told her yes which caused them both to smile. She then disappeared behind the door to Joffrey’s office. He greeted her with his charming smile, stood, pointed to the chair in front of his desk, and mouthed give him a minute. Shelly walked over and gave him a friendly kiss before she took her seat. She didn’t want to eavesdrop, but she was sitting right there. Shelly couldn’t help hearing the conversation. It was obvious he was talking to his oldest brother. Whatever they were discussing, Joffrey was getting nowhere. From the time Joffrey Matheson returned to Allanville; they had been dating on a regular basis, thanks to the Allanville matchmakers’ committee at their local church. The other guys she had been paired with just didn’t work out, regardless of them being compatible according to the matchmakers. Since she and Joffrey started dating, they discovered their commonalities were surprisingly amusing, which kept their routine dates quite entertaining. For the time being, they were engaging in harmless male and female companionship. Shelly realized shared similarities were not enough for a more in-depth relationship. Something was missing that was preventing them from becoming more than mere friends. And it had nothing to do with their age difference. There was no passion between them. A kiss on the cheek and lips or a soft touch was not enough. She yearned for sensuous thrills, hot sizzling sparks, and unadulterated lust. Humph, what she actually had the pleasure of experiencing three months ago. She read about it, heard testimonies from college friends, and even her BF, but nothing prepared her for the actual mind-blowing, slam-bamming, thank you sir, adult fun she encountered. Now she understood perfectly well why it was stressed during her teen years that sex is for married people along with all the other biblical and moral clichés she’d been taught. What she’d really learned, the Bible spoke it plain and simple, it’s better to marry than to burn. If the truth be told, she actually prayed to God for His divine intervention to allow their paths to cross again. That was what the word said, ask and ye shall receive…yeah, right. Shelly knew that was not what the scripture meant. Instead of their paths crossing, her divine intervention was Joffrey Matheson. Joffrey was a great guy with all the attributes, moral and physical, a woman in her right mind would want in a husband. Her good sense kept stressing, don’t push this one away. He could be your last chance. You would think, after all this time, she was over him, especially with her new beau. Not true, no one compared to the brother she met in Vegas…a black skillful sensuous lover whose body rippled with muscles, long powerful limbs, eyes dark as the night, skin the color of dark molasses which was smooth and soft to the touch, and a hypnotic masculine scent. The mere memory of her birthday gift still caused her body to tingle and juices to flow as she recalled every melodious whisper, each desirous and delicious touch, lick, stroke, and thrust. As her best friend had often expressed to her, “Shelly Roberts, you’re incorrigible,” and she was in the worst kind of way. But what would one expect, when every bone in her body lusted and ached for what did not belong to her. The things he did to her were singed into her soul…mind, body, and heart. That was why she couldn’t focus on the handsome man sitting in front of her. Lord, she was going to burn in hell if she didn’t get a grip. Heatwave! Her body began to shout. Flapping her legs for air, she was glad Joffrey couldn’t see what was happening in front of his desk; what a sight. ♥ “Good little bro, now how serious are you about Shelly Roberts?” “Why?” he asked with scrunched brows. Leland held his hands up in defense of his question. “No particular reason, just asking. I know you’ve been on several dates, and you two were very cozy at Uncle Liam’s Retirement Party. I was wondering, are you two more than acquaintances?” “For your information, we’re very good friends and enjoy each other’s company. We’ve also decided to take our relationship slow. Now, if you’re through prying into my personal life, I’ll get back to work.” Joffrey went back to his desk. However, work was the farthest thing from his mind as her lingering feminine scent held him hostage. He knew what his brother was alluding to, but it was none of his business. Besides, it was nothing he could tell him about women. He often wondered, what if he hadn’t listened to Leland and their cousins, and waited until he was really ready to have sex? Maybe things would have been different. He and Deidra Hollands would be married with children. She wouldn’t have gone through the ordeal her mother put her through alone. But thanks to them, he hadn’t been there for her and as far as he was concerned, he lost out completely. Joffrey wished he could get his self together and move on with his life; better yet, have a life instead of just being present. It was true he had a wonderful job that he loved. He was a CPA at Matheson Savings and Loans, located in the Matheson’s business park. Joffrey had loved working with numbers since he was a boy. Once he completed his MBA, he was given his current position at the family business and his share of clients. Consequently, his career was secured and intact. He was now ready to find that special woman to marry and have a family. At twenty-five, he’d had enough of the single life. Besides, Matheson men were raised to be husbands and fathers. He and Cam were the only male cousins in their small clan still single. Shelly Roberts was a gorgeous, delightful, and caring woman who would make any man proud to have her on his arm. They were considered the ideal couple in and around their community, and complemented each other in every aspect. Nevertheless, their relationship was merely platonic with friendly touches and kisses here and there. One might say they had the friendship part down pack. Joffrey had hoped that eventually their friendship would’ve developed into something more personal, on an intimate level. He had no idea how Shelly felt on the subject since it had not come up in any of their conversations. Yes, he was drawn to Shelly’s fun-loving and sexy sassiness, but something was hindering him from stepping up his game. The vibes he’d received from her lately didn’t help his lack of confidence, especially since her birthday weekend. Once Shelly returned from her Vegas holiday, it was obvious her demeanor had changed. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was definitely different. Instead of them getting closer, they were moving farther apart. It seemed her entire persona had been altered and it had nothing to do with her new position as the Director of Human Resources at the hotel. Lately, he’d caught her daydreaming while in his presence about something, or perhaps someone. Joffrey noticed today Shelly was in deep concentration while she waited for him to end his telephone call. Whatever was going on with the both of them, he wished they could shake it off and become more than mere friends. It was safe to assume they had their reasons; he knew he did, although they were useless. Lord knows he’d thought of his first and only love often enough. On several occasions, he’d taken drives by her apartment complex, praying she would appear. Joffrey couldn’t count the numerous times he wished he could turn back the hands of time. Without any uncertainties, he would have remained in Texas and attended PVU until she graduated from high school and they both could have attended Howard. Yeah, so much for what could have been. Unbeknownst to anyone in his family, he knew of her last whereabouts somewhere on the outskirts of Houston. He just hadn’t taken the initiative to pay her aunt and uncle a visit to get a telephone number or address. Why? Because he was afraid to face her after what she had been through. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: W Parks Brigham would like to invite you into her world of love and romance. She has penned some of the sweetest tales with plus size women as the heroine, touching your every emotion. Her heroines are attractive, educated, and sophisticated with high self-esteem. They are not looking for a man to validate their worth…just love them for who they are. Drama, the element of surprise with lots of twists and turns, romance, love, and semi-steamy intimacy are featured in each story. She has often said; when you need a break from some heavy drama, take a break with one of her aww how sweet romances. You won’t be disappointed! Besides being a writer of AA romance and women fiction, W Parks Brigham is an avid reader and must have her nightly fix with a good book. W Parks Brigham Author Page: www.amazon.com./-/e/B00G4IPAMU FB Author W Parks Brigham Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/. Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com Available books by W PARKS BRIGHAM DESTINED TO BE….REIVISED PROMISES WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO LOVE SURVIVING THE STORM YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #1) YOU BELONG TO ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #2) NO STRINGS ATTACHED (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #3) YOU’RE THE ONE FOR ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #4) A New Series…The Golden Years IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE (The Golden Years Book #1) Thanks for participating in March Madness. Show your love for Ms. Brigham by leaving a comment. Join us tomorrow for another March Madness! To join this blog, simply click the "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the right panel. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
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Inspirational women's fiction author, writing the script to my beautifully inspired life! Be Inspired, Follow Me!Archives
June 2019
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